Casserly said last year that the next two years Drafts would be devoted to the defense. He pretty much stuck to that in the 2004 Draft, so I would say we go out and 1),get a FA RB, 2), let DD try to go another year, or 3), take a flyer on a rookie in the 4th, 5th, or 6th round. I would think the latter would be the most likely.

I'm curious to know what you all think may be the first 3 picks selected come draft day and in what positions? Also I saw the Edgerrin James post too and would like to know if you think we'll fill a RB spot through NFL or a rookie out of college?

a little clarification please.........do you mean the first three picks of the Texans or the first three picks in the draft

Have to second that thought. You have to go back 10 years to find a back taken that high (and look how that turned out). The trend the last few years is to take them lower and lower--2004 26th, 2003 23rd, 2002 16th, 2001 5th (LaDainian Tomlinson), 2000 5th (Jamal Lewis), 1999 4th (Edgerrin James) 5th (Ricky Williams).

Benson MIGHT be the second RB taken in the draft (I think R. Brown will be) but certainly not the second player taken in the draft. IMO, the team that does take him will wind up with a bust. He a good power runing back at the college level, but he will be exposed as to slow at the pro level.

man, I don't know what I was looking at on rolltide
still 1.5 sacks and 6.5 tfl seem low for a guy that we want dominate two lineman every play

someone like Castillo from N'western could be more our style

OT: is it just me or do the folks a nfldraftcountdown have an abundance of negative thing to say about players from the southeast
Ronald Fields Not a great athlete...Brings little to the table in terms of a pass rush...Poorly conditioned and wears down...Questionable motor.
Anthony Bryant Won't provide much in the way of a pass rushing threat...Not a great athlete...Not fast or very quick...Out of shape and wears down late in games.
Reggie Brown Inconsistent...Has lapses in concentration and doesn't always give 100%...Speed is only average...Hands are questionable...Isn't a deep threat.
on and on..

1. S Thomas Davis - Georgia - I feel that he can be better than Sean Jones. Nasty hitter.

"S: A safety in a linebackers body...Very strong, tough and physical...Excellent athlete...Great size...Has great range...A force in run support...Great instincts...Good tackler...Has a lot of upside.

W: Raw and still developing...Has only average speed but it is good for his size...Doesn't have a lot of experience at safety because he has moved back and forth between there and linebacker...Not a ballhawk.

O: Has Roy Williams-like potential...Still a work in progress but has a lot of potential...Should be one of the top safety prospects in the draft should he come out." - NFL Draft Countdown

2a. ILB Barret Rudd - Nebraska - If he runs the hell out of his 40, he will skyrocket and there's no point in letting a great football talent (not athlete) pass us by.

"S: Has a motor that never quits...Good size...Should run well in workouts...Great instincts...Fiery and a team leader...Has a ton of experience and has been very productive...Smart and can be another coach on the field.

W: Not an incredible pure athlete, even though he has good timed speed...Doesn't change direction well...Poor agility...Needs to get stronger.

O: Father Tom was a 1st Round Pick by the Buffalo Bills in 1975...Top linebacker prospect with just about everything you look for...Should be able to make an impact very early on in his pro career." - NFL Draft Countdown

2b. DE/OLB Justin Tuck - Notre Dame - Knowing how the Texans LOVE drafting 'tweenies (God knows how many we have - Babin, Peek, Orr, etc.), I take it that he'll love to groom this guy. I like him as well, but how would be

"S: Excellent athletic ability...Tall and lanky...Explosive speed and quickness...Top production and a sack artist...Has a lot of experience against top competition...Is unblockable at times.

W: Undersized...Needs to continue to get bigger and stronger...Improving but still not a force against the run...A 'tweener who could project to OLB in the pros, especially in a 3-4 scheme.

O: Notre Dame's all-time leader in sacks...Has made major strides as an all-around player the last couple of years...Cousin of Adalius Thomas of the Baltimore Ravens...Has the option to return to school for another season. " - NFL Draft Countdown